Can you substitute buttermilk for sour cream?

A:

Quick Answer

Buttermilk can be used as part of a substitute for sour cream when combined with other dairy ingredients. To substitute for sour cream in a baking recipe, About.com suggests mixing buttermilk with butter.

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The actual ratio of buttermilk and butter in About.com's sour cream substitution recipe can vary depending on the consistency desired. To substitute for 1 cup of sour cream, either mix 7/8 cup of buttermilk with 3 tablespoons of butter, or mix 3/4 cup of buttermilk with 1/3 cup of butter.

About.com also suggests that 1/4 cup of buttermilk with 1 cup of cottage cheese, mixed briefly in a blender, can produce a substitute for 1 cup of sour cream for a dip recipe.

Related Questions

For tarragon vinegar, you can substitute either fresh or dried tarragon plus vinegar in a recipe. Use a tablespoon of fresh tarragon leaves to a cup of vinegar or a teaspoon of dried tarragon to a cup of vinegar.